A FOUR-STRONG contingent of Pollok players, Mark Sideserf, Gary McCann, Bryan Young and Ross Brash have been called up by Scotland Juniors manager Keith Burgess to take part in the forthcoming Umbro Quadrangular Tournament to be held in Glasgow on the 11th-14th October. Auchinleck Talbot provide a trio of players, one of whom Craig Pettigrew has been named as team captain, while current Super Premier Division frontrunners Beith's representation of three – Nikky Docherty, Keir Milliken and David McKenna – is further augmented by hitman Ross “Archie” McPherson being named in a stand-by pool whose ranks also include Rob Roy’s in-form winger Lee Gallagher. The full squad is:

GOALKEEPERS: Andy Leishman (Auchinleck Talbot), Richie Barnard (Linlithgow Rose).

DEFENDERS: Andy Forbes (Penicuik Athletic), Mark Sideserf (Pollok), Nicky Docherty (Beith), Jonathan Brown (Bonnyrigg Rose), Dean Hoskins (Bonnyrigg Rose), Colin Leiper (Linlithgow Rose), Craig Pettigrew (captain, Auchinleck Talbot).

MIDFIELDERS: Phil Johnston (Clydebank), Gary McCann, Ross Brash, Bryan Young (Pollok), Colin Spence (Arthurlie), Paul Burns (Cumnock), Lewis Mackenzie (Dundonald Bluebell).

FORWARDS: Keir Milliken, David McKenna (Beith), Graham Wilson (Auchinleck Talbot), Bryan Boylan (Kilwinning Rangers).

STAND-BY: Bryan Young, Kerr Young (Bonnyrigg Rose), Lewis Barr (Penicuik Athletic), Lee Gallacher (Rob Roy), Ross McPherson (Beith), Zander Miller (Broxburn Athletic).

Scotland boss Burgess revealed: “Scottish Junior Cup winners Glenafton’s continuing involvement in the big Scottish Cup is great for the Junior game but is a real hammer blow to our backroom team of Stewart Williamson, Stevie Hyslop and myself. “I can think of at least three of their players who were in our thoughts but there is a very strong likelihood that the Glens will be playing a third round tie on Saturday, October 14, so I have picked a squad without them. “Having just four previous caps in Andy Leishman, Ritchie Barnard, Pettigrew and Colin Leiper has brought us to name a core of experienced Juniors along with several up and coming prospects.

“Stewart, Stevie and myself have attended an unbelievable amount of games since the season got underway, seeing some teams on two and three occasions and what we have named is a collective choice of in-form players with a perfect example being the striker David McKenna who played himself into our plans after he scored five goals in the two Beith games we took in. “This has probably been the most difficult squad selection we have ever made and we know it will not please everyone but we believe the players have the necessary qualities to do themselves proud.” Glenafton's chances of landing a Scottish Cup tie on the Quadrangular Tournament weekend were considerably boosted on Saturday when the Ayrshire club’s name went into the hat for the second round draw following a Chris Dallas inspired 6-1 demolition of first round opponents Golspie Sutherland. Dallas netted four goals along with counters from Mick McCann and Jambo McKernon to subsequently earn a next up clash on September 23 at home to whosoever comes out on top in this coming weekend’s first round replay contest between Threave Rovers and Glasgow University. If the Junior kingpins can prevail yet again (and they are strongly fancied to get through) then they will be on Cup duty on the same day as Junior Scotland are playing their third and final game in the Quadrangular Tournament.

The prospect of his Glens players being denied recognition for their memorable Junior football achievements of last season does not sit easily with New Cumnock gaffer Craig McEwan, however he was fulsome in his praise of Scotland boss Burgess when giving his thoughts on the Junior Scotland squad last night. Southy admitted: “I’m absolutely gutted for my players over this clash and cannot fathom why a bit of foresight could not have seen the tournament arranged for another weekend seeing as the big Scottish Cup dates have been in the diary since before the start of this season. “As it is both myself and Glenafton’s club officials were still willing to allow any of our players to take part in the Scotland games on the Wednesday and Thursday nights but our offer was turned down. “Please don’t let my comments be seen as criticism of the Junior Scotland manager because I cannot speak highly enough of Budgie and his assistant Stewart who showed themselves to be top men by getting in touch to explain their reasons for not selecting my players.

“It was a terrific gesture on their part and one that was really appreciated and I’m probably feeling more frustrated than angry right now.”

Junior football’s other surviving representatives in the Scottish Cup proper landed rather more daunting pairings in the second round draw with North Region champions Banks O’Dee hosting the visit of Huntly while a long trip North to face Brora Rangers is Girvan’s reward for the 5-3 weekend defeat of St Cuthberts Wanderers.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURE

Central Sectional Cup semi-final: Pollok v Renfrew (New Western Park, 7.30pm).

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Kilbirnie Ladeside v Hurlford Utd, Arthurlie v Glenafton, Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank, Beith v Kilwinning Rangers, Pollok v Girvan, Cumnock v Rob Roy.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Cumbernauld Utd v Cambuslang Rangers, Troon v Shettleston, Kello Rovers v Darvel, Maryhill v Petershill, Irvine Meadow v Renfrew, Rutherglen Glencairn v Kilsyth Rangers, Larkhall Thistle v Largs Thistle.

McBookie.com.Central First Division: Forth Wanderers v Yoker Athletic, East Kilbride Thistle v Neilston, Port Glasgow v Glasgow Perthshire, Rossvale v St Roch's, Shotts Bon Accord v Thorniewood Utd, Greenock v Lesmahagow,Wishaw v Benburb.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Carluke Rovers v Vale of Clyde, Johnstone Burgh v Lanark Utd, Bellshill Athletic v Royal Albert, Vale of Leven v Newmains Utd, Gartcairn v Ashfield, St Anthony's v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District Division: Maybole v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Annbank Utd v Muirkirk, Dalry Thistle v Ardeer Thistle, Irvine Vics v Maybole, Craigmark v Saltcoats Vics, Whitletts Vics v Irvine Vics.